Edmonton Hells Angels bust nets guns, $1M in stolen property

Two full patch members of the Hells Angels have been arrested as the result of a lengthy investigation by the Edmonton Police Service'sorganized crime unit ALERT.

In total, the investigation resulted in10 arrests, the seizure of 21 firearms andthe recovery of more than $1 million in stolen property, police say.

Staff Sgt. Dave Knibb said Wednesday that the investigationwas sparked by an anonymous tip to the Crime Stoppers line about the theftofa variety of trailers and recreational vehicles.

[The weapons] to me demonstratethe lengths at which these criminals are willing to go to protect this profit.- Staff Sgt. DaveKnibb

"This investigation found that members of the Hells Angels, their support clubs and associates were allegedly involved in the theft, (replacing the identification numbers)and trafficking of stolen trailers and recreational vehicles," said Knibb.

The stolen propertywassold amongst Hells Angels associates for a "cheap discount."

Full patch members

The arrest of two full-patch members is something that, according toKnibb,makes the investigationvery significant.

Full patch is the highest level of membership a Hells Angel can attain.

Knibbsaid the reach and influence of the Hells Angels in Alberta is long reaching.

"The Hells Angels have five chapters in Alberta.Two in Edmonton, two in Calgary and there is one nomad chapter as well. And there is a variety of support clubs that have a much greater reach than just the numbers of the Hells Angels themselves," saidKnibb.

Knibbadded that he believes this investigation shows the variety of the criminal activity that the Hells Angels are engaged in.

The 21 firearmsseized showcasesjust how dangerous the criminal organization can be, said Knibb..

"To me this demonstrates the lengths at which these criminals are willing to go to protect this profit," saidKnibbs.

Project Al-Wheels

The investigation, dubbedProject Al-Wheels, datesback to October 2015. It involved Edmonton policeand variousRCMPunits.

Fifteensearch warrants were carried out in the Alberta communities of Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Alberta Beach,Gunn,Onoway,Morinville, Legal,Ryley, Sherwood Park, Red Deer, St. Albert, andLangley, B.C.

The stolenproperty included17 travel trailers, threepickup trucks, sixATVs, a snowmobile and twodirt bikes.

"These vehicles were stolen from the backyards and driveways of hardworking Albertans," said Knibb..

ALERT is actively working to get the stolen property back into the hands of the rightful owners.